Earl "Andy" Alfred Andrew Carlson

Earl Alfred Andrew Carlson III, known to all as Andy, passed away on December 26th, 2021 at the age of 65. He transitioned at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, NC, surrounded by his family.

Born to the late Earl Alfred Carlson and Judith Hu Durrell on September 13th, 1956 in Chicago, IL, he was the eldest of four siblings: Brian, Eric, and Matt.

After earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees in music, he led a 35-year international career as a concert tubist, including 24 years with the U.S. Navy Band, in Washington, DC, as a Chief Petty Officer.

He continued his pursuit of knowledge and expanded consciousness with Unity Worldwide Ministries and One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, ultimately becoming an Interfaith Minister. He channeled his wisdom to spread his ministry of forgiveness and love. Andy was a regular speaker for Unity Center DC and Unity of Shenandoah in VA.

Andy is survived by his wife of 9 years, Lauren Rutten, and his children Karina Carlson, Noëlle Carlson, and Jack Sorokin. After retirement from the military, Andy and Lauren traveled the country to find their next home. A year of travels led them back to their first stop: Marshall, NC. There, Andy’s ministry flourished, first as associate minister at Unity of the Blue Ridge in Mills River, and most recently, offering a weekly Spiritual Gathering in their community.

Andy’s memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 23 at Unity Center of the Blue Ridge at 1:00 PM EST. The event will be live-streamed for loved ones unable to attend. Link coming soon. Masks will be required in person. In lieu of flowers, the family request that monetary donations be directed to the Community Housing Coalition, Madison County Arts Council, or Beacon of Hope in honor of Andy.

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